Review: Section Zero #1

Fundamentals are the building blocks of success. Focusing on them may not make the most flashy story, however, if done well enough it can at least give you a solid foundation to build on moving forward. That is exactly what is happening with Section Zero #1. As a first issue goes it is very by the book in its structure as it presents its general concept and an overview of the key characters.Â

The most interesting thing about this issue is that it exists, or perhaps a better phrase would be that it exists again. It was first published in 2000 by the now-defunct Â Gorilla Comics. When it was first released only three issues were published and now nineteen years later the series is getting its chance to finally finish. It an interesting choice to release it each month rather than in one large collection with the new and old material combined. So how does a comic hold up nearly twenty years after its original release?

Overall pretty well, however, the general concept is one that has become more commonplace since its first debut. It centers on a secret organization that investigates mysterious happenings around the world to solve what others cannot. Each character within this team fits into an unexciting expected trope. You have Sam who has a hard edge fly by the seat of your paints attitude with the ability to talk himself out of most situations, Tina the hard-nosed leader who has looks and moves that can kill, and Tesla who is the powerhouse and x-factor for the group. Sam and Tina have the personalities that simply do not mix well, however, there is an underlying connection there especially since they were once married. So far there is not much nuance within these characters to separate them from their well-worn archetype.Â

No one will confuse this with being cutting edge, and the art style is clearly much more in the vein of nineties comics. For those who read comics in that area especially Vertigo series in the mid-2000s, this style will certainly bring back a lot of fond memories. The art is very much in line with the overall story–functional without being flashy. Ben Dimagmaliw“s colors are probably the strongest element of the art. They are well layered, sharp, and work to define each specific scene.

To this issues benefit by the end you have a solid understanding of who these characters are, what this concept consists of, and where the story will be going next. Part of that is because everything is rather simple and straightforward. By watching this team in action on a trip to Cambodia you witness just what they are up against, and the type of methods they use. They clearly have major firepower and advanced tech, however, they are more about solving mysteries than destroying them. For those that enjoy adventure stories akin to the Challenges of the Unknown with a tint of the X-Files, you will have a lot to like with this comic.

Overall Thoughts:

It is great to live in a comic book environment where series can get a second chance. A lot can change in the nineteen years since Section Zero #1 was first published, and largely because of that it does not read as a series that needed a second life. Fans of the original may enjoy the rush of nostalgia, and those who love science fiction adventure may find joy with this concept. Outside of that its relatively standard approach will not do much to excite new fans to see this series finally finish.

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

Written byÂ Karl Kesel
Art byÂ Tom Grummett
Letters byÂ Richard Starkings
Colors by: Ben Dimagmaliw

Author Profile

Daniel Clark

A fan of all things comics. Growing up on a healthy diet of 90's Batman and X-Men cartoon series ignited a love for the medium that remains strong today.